A Story of Water and Ingenuity within the walls of an old spinning mill
In Pianello del Lario, inside a 19th-century spinning mill overlooking Lake Como, the Museo Barca Lariana houses one of the most extraordinary collections of historic boats in the world.
Spread across the museum’s halls and exhibition spaces, over 400 boats span centuries of nautical culture: rowboats, gondolas, fishing boats, hunting boats, and smuggling vessels, as well as recreational and racing motorboats, sailboats, antique workboats, engines, documents, and onboard artifacts.
The museum explores the world of boating as a living subject: from its roots on Lake Como to Italian history, and on to the international routes that have brought together people, places, and visions. From the ancient Romans through the 20th century and beyond, every vessel embodies technology, beauty, hard work, courage, and human adventures.
Visiting the Museo Barca Lariana means embarking on a journey that is constantly evolving, fueled by research, restoration, and new discoveries. It is a cultural heritage site open to visitors, schools, families, and anyone who wants to explore boating from a new perspective.
Hundreds of historic boats in 19 themed areas
From large racing boats to workboats, from Lake Como boats to historic motorboats, the museum tour takes visitors on a journey through construction techniques, notable figures, shipyards, and memories of the water.
The museum also offers activities for schools and young children, including historical tours and fun, educational workshops designed to directly engage children and teens.
1978
Faced with the gradual disappearance of the ancient nautical traditions of Lake Como, a group of friends decided to found the “La Raccolta della Barca Lariana” Association.
The goal is to collect boats, documents, testimonies, and knowledge related to the culture of the water, in order to pass them on to future generations.
1982
The Museo Barca Lariana is opening in Pianello del Lario.
The dream is taking shape: to open an extraordinary collection to the public and transform nautical history into an experience accessible to scholars, researchers, enthusiasts, tourists, and curious visitors.
2000
The historic spinning mill that houses the museum no longer meets the new requirements set forth by European regulations.
The museum is forced to close, temporarily suspending its engagement with the public.
2018
After eighteen years of closure, the museum reopens to the public with renovated spaces and an expanded collection.
The boats are once again on display for visitors, school groups, and enthusiasts, breathing new life into this invaluable nautical heritage.
